Explanation:
On February 10th, an
evocative
evening sky above Rocklin, California, USA
inspired astrophotographer Steve Sumner
to record this remarkable sight - five planets and the Moon.
Near its first quarter phase, the bright
Moon was intentionally overexposed
but Saturn,
Jupiter,
Mars, and
Mercury
(and, of course,
planet Earth's horizon)
are all clearly visible in the deepening twilight.
Notably absent in this grouping of naked-eye planets is
Venus which
is still putting in an early appearance as the
morning star.
This month, Mercury has joined Venus in the dawn twilight while
Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars still shine brightly in the western sky at
nightfall
making another gorgeous close grouping with the crescent
Moon.